Edgartown – The Martha’s Vineyard Transit Authority (VTA) invites the public to its electric bus demonstration on Tuesday ~ August 9, 2016. The bus will be on Route 13 in the morning and at the VTA Administrative and Operations Facility located at 11 A Street, in the Airport Business Park from 1:00 pm – until 2:30 pm. ~ The public is welcome to view the bus at the VTA or see it on route.

The VTA has recently completed a feasibility study for alternative fuel transit vehicles including an in-depth analysis of readily available fuel types for use in transit service on Martha’s Vineyard (available at www.vineyardtransit.com). “We are excited about the possibility of adding alternative fuel transit vehicles to our fleet, these vehicles are generally quieter and more environmentally friendly.” said Angela Grant, VTA Administrator. “However, the current market offers very limited options, in terms of vehicles that fit well within
the Island’s existing road infrastructure. Generally speaking, bus manufacturers make buses that are wider than the VTA prefers. Currently, we only purchase buses that are 96” wide, which limits our options in terms of alternative fuels we can purchase. The electric bus coming on Tuesday is wider and longer than we would procure and has a range of 160 miles. The manufacturer, BYD, from California has a 96” wide electric bus, with a range of about 145 miles that may be adequate and a good fit for the Park & Ride in Tisbury and Edgartown.”